When should students visit the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center?

Students can utilize the Center at any time during their academic career and as alumni of Albright. Students are encouraged to begin working with us in their first year. According to the National Association of College and Employers 2010 Student Survey, “the likelihood of a student getting a job offer increased with the frequency of career center use. Students who used the career center four or more times a semester were more likely to have job offers than those who used it once a semester.” It all begins with choosing/confirming a choice of major, developing a plan for experiential learning opportunities and being able to articulate your skills and experience both on a resume and in person.

Why should a student who has decided on a major need to use the Center?

Many students begin college confident in their choice of a major. In any major, there are a number of career paths that a student can take depending on their interests and abilities. Shadowing, networking, gaining "hands-on" experience through an internship, study abroad, and/or undergraduate research project can help students to develop skills that are valued by employers and to gain real world experience that can clarify or solidify the direction of their career. The Center is a valuable resource for finding such "experiential education" opportunities, and for providing access to alumni and employers. Also, as noted in the answer to question 2, research shows that “the likelihood of a student getting a job offer increased with the frequency of career center use. Students who used the career center four or more times a semester were more likely to have job offers than those who used it once a semester.”

How does the Center help students who are undecided about their major?

As an incoming Alpha (undecided) first year student or a sophomore who is re-exploring their initial major direction, we can help. The Center offers several self-assessments in consultation with a career counselor who will help the student to define their interests, values, skills, personal characteristics and what concentration and career options may be a good match. We also offer Alpha 101, an eight week, one-hour series of workshops that will enable Alpha students to explore their motivation to learn, their interests, and values within the liberal arts context. Interwoven within the exploratory series will be an introduction to Albright’s majors and programs. SPI 125 - Career Decision Making is offered in the spring to assist Alpha and other students in the selection or confirmation of an appropriate major through the integration of personal awareness or self-knowledge and research career options. Decision-making strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and internship/job search techniques will be reviewed.

Is it common for students to start out knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives but then become uncertain or consider a completely different direction?

Many college students struggle with the decision about their college major and are unsure of their choice, even if they have selected a college major. Approximately eighty percent of all entering students change their concentration (major) at least once during their college career. Albright wants to emphasize that it’s fine for students to enter college without a clear idea of which academic program they wish to pursue and what their ultimate career will be. Being “undeclared” or “undecided” isn’t a cause for panic! The opportunity for academic exploration is a unique life opportunity, and it is central to the educational experience at a liberal arts college like Albright.

No matter what your major, you CAN study abroad/off campus. Our staff will work with you to find the best location and program for you. It is possible to take courses in English through a program provider in a non-English speaking country. There are also many domestic programs available right here in the United States, including the Washington Center, the Philadelphia Center, and the National Theatre Institute. Students interested in studying abroad must be in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 / 4.0, in good financial standing and in good social standing. For more information on planning a study
abroad experience visit http://www.albright.edu/elcdc/el/studyabroad/index.html.

When you study off-campus, you only pay the price of that particular abroad program. There are no extra fees from Albright. Occasionally, students end up paying less than they do at Albright! Albright scholarships, such as the Presidential, Founders and talent scholarships, cannot be used for off-campus study. However, Stafford loans, Perkins loans, State grants and most privately funded scholarships may be used. Many Albright affiliates offer additional scholarships for which Albright students can apply, and there are other opportunities, including the Gilman Scholarship (for students receiving a Pell Grant) which we can discuss with you when you make an appointment to talk with our staff. For information about additional scholarships and paying for your study
abroad experiences visit: http://www.albright.edu/elcdc/el/studyabroad/index.html.

Students wishing to study abroad or off-campus in a domestic program may do so upon completion of two full-time semesters at Albright. This means students may study abroad as early as the summer between the first and second year at Albright. Most Albright College students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Seniors may study abroad during their fall semester only with permission from the Registrar’s Office.

How can I find off-campus part-time employment, internships or full time job opportunities?

The Center offers students and alumni various online resources in addition to individual career counseling to discuss specific strategies based on your needs. Please visit us at http://www.albright.edu/elcdc/cd/students-jobs-internships.html for more information or contact us to schedule an individual appointment. In addition to job/internship postings, we are committed to facilitating on-campus recruitment (held October/November and March/April), job/internship fairs (February/March) and preparing students for the best job search possible through workshops, online/resource library information and individual appointments.

What assistance does the Center provide for applying to graduate school?

Our career counselors can assist you in finding the right graduate/professional school, defining criteria to assess programs, developing your personal statement as well as provide information about various admission exams such as the LSAT or GRE. We also host a graduate/professional school fair each fall where students will have an opportunity to meet with admission counselors from graduate/professional schools in various disciplines.

The Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) is an interdisciplinary program that enables students to conduct research or creative activity in partnership with nurturing faculty mentors during the summer or over the interim session in January. All students are invited to submit an ACRE application. A committee of faculty members reviews the proposals and recommends awards. Participants receive a stipend and free room and board during the summer or January interim. Students and faculty from all disciplines meet each week to share their experiences and learn from each other. Many collaborative teams of students and faculty present their research at academic conferences and publish their results in professional journals.

Ask JIM (Jobs, Internships, Mentors) is an online system that allows you to post your resume, view and apply to part and full-time job and internship listings, and connect with professionals through the Mentor database. Be sure to complete and keep your Profile and Documents sections updated. Before posting your resume on Ask JIM, students are encouraged to receive resume feedback from a career counselor. This one-stop, web-based system will help you to manage your job search throughout your time at Albright. A comprehensive calendar of the Center’s events is also accessible through Ask JIM.